Author Archives: Office of Public Affairs

CDFA secretary Karen Ross is in Peru as part of a Climate Smart Agriculture Policy Mission focusing on expanding collaboration on innovation, on-farm practices, and technologies to assist California’s specialty crop growers in adapting to climate change. Here are some comments from her on day one.  Our first day in Peru took us to the capital city of Lima, with our Climate …

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, CDFA hosted a panel discussion yesterday organized by the agency’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and the Office of Civil Rights. This year’s theme, Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together, presented an opportunity for Latino leaders at CDFA to share their experiences. The event, moderated by CDFA Farm Equity Advisor Thea Rittenhouse, brought together panelists from divisions within …

October is National Farm to School Month! This year’s theme is, “From Soil to Sea: Nourishing People and Planet,” honoring the vital role of farmers and ranchers who establish the foundation for a thriving farm to school movement. Since 2021, CDFA’s California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program has reached 49 percent of all California students through an investment of …

Leadership Insights is a monthly column from the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation in partnership with Morning Ag Clips. The series delves into the crucial facets of leadership within the agricultural sector, with academic and agricultural leaders offering valuable perspectives and strategies.  Opinion piece by CDFA secretary Karen Ross Food production in a hotter, drier climate is essential for the health of people …

CDFA is pleased to announce the publication of a California Native American Tribe Listening Session Report. The report can be found on the CDFA Farm Equity homepage. The report is the result of a two-year collaboration with the Intertribal Agriculture Council. CDFA’s Farm Equity office and program staff collaborated with the council to conduct four listening sessions with Native American …

CDFA joined in celebrating the 57th annual California Native American Day at the State Capitol today, where attendees gathered to honor the contributions and culture of California’s Native American communities. This year’s theme, “Recognizing 100 Years of Citizenship and the Fight for the Right to Vote: 1924-2024,” underscored the ongoing struggle for equal rights and recognition. The event was a …

Climate Week NYC continues this week with a wide range of activities, and CDFA Secretary Karen Ross has made appearances to speak about California’s innovative Farm to School programming as well as challenges and opportunities with climate adaptation. Secretary Ross appeared with California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom to discuss the Farm to School initiative. The secretary expressed her appreciation …

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross is at Climate Week NYC and participated today in a panel discussion co-hosted by Food Tank and the Natural Resources Defense Council. The discussion, “Building Healthy Soils, Reducing Food Waste, and Protecting Pollinators from Pesticides,” touched on the connection of food systems and global climate resilience. Climate-smart agricultural practices can mitigate ag environmental impacts while improving …

News Release from Governor Newsom’s office What you need to know: A new report shows California greenhouse gas emissions declined across most sectors in 2022 – and declined a whopping 20% since 2000. The decrease in emissions took place even as the state’s economic dominance continued. NOTE — Read more about CDFA’s Climate Smart Agriculture Programs SACRAMENTO – Greenhouse gas emissions in …

In recognition of  September as Guide Dog Awareness Month, CDFA’s Disability Advisory Committee has been welcoming furry, trained canine guests to agency headquarters. A recent event was a collaboration with the California Association of Guide Dog Users, a division of the National Federation of the Blind of California.  The session was led by association president Shannon Dillon, accompanied by her guide dog …